Reagan National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport Unveil Explosives Detection Trace Portal Machinestitle
Critical Explosives Technology Now in Place at 24 Airports Nationwide
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- With a sharp eye focused on the threat
of explosives, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today
announced that it has deployed explosives detection trace portal machines to
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles
International Airport (IAD). The two airports join Baltimore-Washington
International and 21 others nationwide in a program designed to prevent
explosives material from getting on-board commercial aircraft.
"The trace portal is a sophisticated tool that allows us to detect a broad
range of explosive materials quickly and efficiently," said Pat Hynes, TSAs
Federal Security Director at DCA. "This new technology, along with enhanced
training for our security officers and new checkpoint procedures, ensure we
have a robust system in place to address the serious threat of explosives."
Passengers identified as needing additional screening, as well as
passengers selected at random, will pass through the trace portal for
explosives detection screening. As passengers enter the trace portal, they
are asked to stand still for a few seconds while several "bursts" of air are
released, dislodging microscopic particles from passengers that are then
collected and analyzed for traces of explosives. A computerized voice
indicates when a passenger may exit the portal. TSA Officers will take
necessary and appropriate steps to resolve alarms.
"This significant security enhancement would not be possible without the
cooperation and hard work of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
and our airline partners," said John Lenihan, TSAs Federal Security Director
at IAD. "Working together we will continue to enhance security and the
overall traveler experience."
TSA has already advanced its explosives detection capabilities at the
passenger security checkpoint by deploying trace portals at airports in
Baltimore; Boston; Dallas (DFW); Gulfport, Miss.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Las
Vegas; Los Angeles; Miami; Newark; New York (JFK); Palm Beach, FL; Phoenix;
Providence, R.I.; Rochester, N.Y.; San Francisco; San Diego; Pittsburgh;
Tampa, Fla.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; San Juan, P.R.; and Indianapolis, Ind.
TSA will continue to increase its explosives detection capabilities and
expects to announce the next round of airports to receive these trace portal
machines in the coming weeks. TSA purchased the trace portal equipment from
GE Infrastructure, Security and Smiths Detection.
For more information regarding TSA, see the Web site at
http://www.tsa.gov.
Media Contact: Darrin Kayser
(202) 329-8308
